118 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2025-2026 GALLERIES BIG SUR Hawthorne Gallery The building and gardens alone are a wild, sculptural trip, designed by architect Mickey Meunnig, but that’s just the beginning of the styles on view here. Wander through to view works small and large in two and three dimensions by some two dozen artists. 48485 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-3200, hawthornegallery.com CARMEL American Art Gallery The name is broad, but it’s apt here. The gallery prides itself on presenting both blue-chip and emerging artists. There is a surprising variety of contemporary painting, including works by Hal Frater, Shana Wilson, Innocent Chikezie, Gail Lehman and more. Dolores between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 2368167, americanartgalleries.com Carl Cherry Center for the Arts Founded by Carmel artist Jeanne D’Orge in 1948, the gallery, theater and gardens of this storied Carmel nonprofit have showcased a brilliant array of theater, poetry, films, music and art. Many of their exhibitions are also available online. Corner of 4th and Guadalupe, Carmel. (831) 624-7491, carlcherrycenter.org Carmel Art Association Carmel’s oldest gallery was established in 1927 and since then, this nonprofit has been owned and operated by 100 or so local artists from all over the county and beyond, with regularly changing exhibits. Find ubiquitous plein air works, as well as abstract works, photographs, sculptures and more. Dolores between 5th and 6th, Carmel. (831) 2503347, carmelart.org Center for Photographic Art Launched by iconic artists Ansel Adams, Cole Weston and Wynn Bullock in 1967, CPA is a West Coast epicenter dedicated to the art and craft of photography. The member-driven gallery often spotlights works from legends of black-and-white film photography but also brings in fresh perspectives from emerging artists and a number of speakers. Sunset Center, San Carlos and 9th. (831) 625-5181, photography.org What is it about Monterey County that attracts so many artists and performers? There is a rare quality of light as the marine layer ebbs and flows, the rugged and beautiful coastline, the valleys trapped by mountain ranges—Ansel Adams saw it, others have, as well. One could visit the area just for its art galleries. But there are creative theater companies, large stages and intimate venues. The colleges and universities bring in authors and scholars. And, of course, the area hosts music festivals of international appeal, such as the Monterey Jazz Festival and Cali Roots. Vacation paradise is also an arts and culture paradise. Check the pages of Monterey County Weekly or go online to montereycountynow.com to see what is happening during your visit. 480 Lighthouse Gallery ARTS & CULTURE
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